15-day-long Jammu Festival to commence on April 1

Jammu, Mar 18 (UNI) A fortnight long Jammu Festival to showcase the winter Capital as a major tourist destination will begin here on April 1.

The decision on the duration of the festival was taken at a high level meeting chaired by J&K Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad yesterday, offical sources said.

Mr Azad has asked the organisers to concentrate on the quality of the fair to ensure maximum participation of the people.

The festival would be a colourful package of traditional fairs and festivals across the province with prominent artistes performing in cultural events.

The main attraction of the event would be a car rally passing through all the tourist places falling under tourism development authorities of the Jammu province, they added.

Besides, the famous singer and actor, Sonu Nigam would be performing at the M A Stadium here. The organisers of the festival had also planned to rope in one of famous music reality show winner along with local artists.

Rural sports competitions and cultural events would also be organised at the district headquarters.

A sound and light show at the Mini Stadium, Parade Ground would be displayed here accompanied by illumination and light music at the Mubarak Mandi Palace Complex and heritage buildings.

The famous Bahu Fort in Jammu would also be illuminated.

A handicraft and handloom exhibition, Nukkad shows, hot air balloon and helicopter joyrides, Dogra marriage scene and city walk would be the other attractions of the festival, they said.